Choosing the right engineering entrance exam after Class 12 is a challenging task. From national-level exams to state-level options and university-specific tests, students today have multiple choices. The primary goal of these exams is to test students’ proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Math and open doors to prestigious engineering institutions like NITs, IITs and other reputable private universities.
Whether you are currently in class 12th or someone who has recently finished your 12th grade, this blog will help you make an informed decision through a comprehensive list of engineering entrance exams in India after 12th. Let’s explore each exam in detail!
Whether you’re from a Tier 1 city or a small town, these exams offer everyone an equal chance to prove their potential. They-
The real question is “Are you preparing for the right entrance exam for engineering after 12th?”
Here are the top engineering entrance exams in India after 12th, categorised by level.
A national-level engineering entrance exam is a competitive exam that is conducted at national level to provide a standardised and merit-based admission process for a vast number of students competing for limited seats in top engineering institutes across the country. Students get maximum opportunities, pan-India recognition and the most prestigious institutions.
| Serial No. | Exam | Conducting Body | Frequency | Eligibility | Top Colleges | Mode | Exam Date |
| 1. | JEE Main | NTA | Twice/year | 75% in 12th or Top 20 percentile | NITs, IIITs, CFTIs | Online | Session 1: January 2026
Session 2: April 2026 |
| 2. | JEE Advanced | IIT (Rotational) | Once/year | Top 2.5 lakh JEE Main qualifiers | 23 IITs | Online | May 2026 |
JEE Main is a very popular and widely opted exam by engineering aspirants. It is basically the gateway to top NITs, IIITs and government-funded technical institutes across India.
After qualifying for the JEE Main exam, this advanced-level exam is conducted. It is India’s toughest engineering entrance exam and the only path to the prestigious IITs.
Want to study closer to home? State exams offer lower competition, familiarity with local board patterns and home-state quota benefits.
| Serial No. | Exam | State | Conducting Body | Frequency | Applicants/Year | Eligibility | Exam Date |
| 1. | MHT CET | Maharashtra | State CET Cell | Twice/year | 4+ lakh | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | April-May 2026 (Two sessions) |
| 2. | WBJEE | West Bengal | WBJEEB | Once/year | 2+ lakh | 10+2 with PCM | April 2026 |
| 3. | KCET | Karnataka | KEA | Once/year | 2+ lakh | 10+2 with minimum 60% marks in PCM | April 2026 |
| 4. | COMEDK | Karnataka | Consortium | Once/year | 1+ lakh | 10+2 with minimum 60% marks in PCM | May 2026 |
| 5. | KEAM | Kerala | CEE Kerala | Once/year | 1+ lakh | 10+2 with PCM | April 2026 |
| 6. | TS EAMCET | Telangana | TSCHE | Once/year | 1.5+ lakh | 10+2 with minimum 60% marks in PCM | May 2026 |
| 7. | AP EAMCET | Andhra Pradesh | APSCHE | Once/year | 1.5+ lakh | 10+2 with PCM | May 2026 |
MHT CET is considered Maharashtra’s most popular engineering entrance with 4+ lakh applicants annually. This is a state-level examination for engineering aspirants.
The WBJEE is West Bengal’s main entrance exam that students take to get into engineering, pharmacy and architecture colleges across the state. It acts as the primary admission route for most government and private institutions in West Bengal.
KCET stands for Karnataka Common Entrance Test and is a state-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate professional courses in colleges across Karnataka.
Karnataka’s consortium exam provides access to 20,000+ engineering seats in top private colleges. It is an annual, online, computer-based test for admission to around 214 unaided private engineering colleges in the state, with candidates from all over India eligible to apply.
Kerala’s entrance exam is known for its high success rate among local students. This is an examination series for admissions to various professional degree courses in the state of Kerala, India.
TS EAMCET stands for the Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test, a state-level entrance exam for admission to professional degree courses in Telangana.
Similar structure to the TS EAMCET for Andhra Pradesh engineering colleges. It is conducted online by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Kakinada, on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE).
Want to get admission to a private institution? These exams are conducted at the university/institute level.
| Serial No. | Exam | Institute | Mode | Eligibility | Seats Offered | Campus Locations | Exam Date |
| 1. | BITSAT | BITS Pilani | Online | 10+2 with 75% aggregate in PCM and English | 2000+ | Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad | May-June 2026 (Two sessions) |
| 2. | VITEEE | VIT | Online | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics | 8000+ | Vellore, Chennai, Bhopal, Amaravati | April 2026 |
| 3. | SRMJEEE | SRM | Online | 10+2 with minimum 60% marks in PCM | 10,000+ | Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Amaravati | April-July 2026 (Three phases) |
| 4. | MET | Manipal Academy | Online | 10+2 with minimum 50% in PCM | 2500+ | Manipal, Jaipur, Bangalore | April-May 2026 (Two phases) |
| 5. | KIITEE | KIIT University | Online | 10+2 with a minimum 60% in PCM | 3000+ | Bhubaneswar | April-July 2026 (Three phases) |
BITS Pilani conducts this entrance exam for admissions to its engineering courses by running a speed test for aspirants who think quickly and accurately.
VIT’s entrance exam is held once a year and offers admission to 4 of its campuses with diverse range of engineering programmes.
SRM offers an all-India engineering entrance with 100+ test centres and multiple campus options. The exam is offered in multiple phases throughout the year for admissions to their B.Tech programmes.
Manipal Academy conducts this entrance exam for engineering aspirants to get admission to its renowned engineering programmes.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s exam for 5 campuses across India with strong placement records.
Kalinga Institute’s entrance exam for engineering and other professional programmes in Bhubaneswar.
Andhra Pradesh’s entrance test for regional admissions.
Since it is a highly competitive exam, clarity of concepts and speed in solving problems are equally important. So are you ready to ace your exam? Follow these tested strategies-
It is advisable to begin preparations as soon as possible, ideally at least 12 to 18 months in advance.
It is a common misconception that the NCERT curriculum is too elementary. In fact, 40-50% of the questions in the JEE Main examination are derived directly from concepts presented in NCERT materials.
Reading alone does not equate to learning. Engaging with and solving a significant number of problems can impart more knowledge than simply reading extensive materials.
Mock tests reveal your weak spots before the real exam does. Take at least 30-40 full-length tests in exam conditions.
If you encounter an incorrect response, it is essential to not only verify the correct answer but also to comprehend the underlying reasons for the mistake.
To complete 90 questions within a timeframe of 180 minutes, it is advisable to practice using a timer.
Addressing challenging subjects is crucial for growth and development. It is essential to concentrate on enhancing areas of weakness rather than solely refining existing strengths.
What if you could pursue engineering at a university that transforms theoretical knowledge into real-world expertise?
The Apollo University stands as a premier destination for aspiring engineers seeking quality education with global standards. The university offers cutting-edge B.Tech programmes designed to prepare you for the technology-driven future.
Also Read: B.Tech Courses List and Specializations
Collaborate on projects with prestigious institutions like Microsoft India and Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA, with opportunities that bring international exposure right to your campus.
Learn from highly qualified faculty members who combine strong academic credentials with a research focus. The curriculum is carefully designed after extensive research to meet current industry requirements, ensuring you’re job-ready from day one.
Experience precise teaching and learning processes that incorporate the latest educational technologies, making complex engineering concepts easier to grasp and apply.
Benefit from the university’s close relationship with industries that enhance practical understanding through live projects, internships and hands-on learning experiences.
Beyond technical skills, the university prioritises developing your communication and soft skills, essential qualities that top employers look for in engineering graduates.
Ready to build your future in engineering? Explore The Apollo University’s engineering programmes and take the first step toward becoming an industry-ready engineer with global exposure.
Engineering entrance exams aren’t just about getting into college, but also about getting into the right college that shapes your future.
Whether you’re targeting IITs through JEE Advanced, NITs through JEE Main or excellent private institutions through BITSAT and VITEEE, the key is starting early and staying consistent. And remember, quality engineering education isn’t limited to entrance exams alone. Many universities offer direct pathways to industry-ready programs with global exposure.
Your next step? Create a realistic study plan and start preparing today for upcoming engineering entrance exams. Every successful engineer was once exactly where you are now.
Ready to begin your engineering journey? The clock is ticking and your future is waiting. Start now!
It depends on your target college. For IITs, take JEE Advanced (after clearing JEE Main). For NITs and IIITs, JEE Main is essential. Consider BITSAT for BITS Pilani, VITEEE for VIT and your state CET for local colleges. Most students appear for multiple exams to maximise options.
The top exams are JEE Main and JEE Advanced for IITs/NITs, followed by BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE at the national level. For state-level, MHT CET, WBJEE and KCET are highly regarded. Each offers different opportunities based on your preferences.
Absolutely! While JEE is the most popular route, you can pursue engineering through state CETs (like MHT CET, KCET), university exams (BITSAT, VITEEE) or even direct admissions in private colleges. Many excellent engineering programmes don’t require JEE at all.
JEE Advanced is widely considered the toughest engineering exam in India and one of the hardest globally. With only the top 2.5 lakh JEE Main qualifiers eligible and intense competition for limited IIT seats, it demands exceptional problem-solving skills and deep conceptual understanding.
The JEE Main and JEE Advanced are the top engineering exams in India. JEE Main helps students qualify for IITs. JEE Advanced allows students to get admission to top technology institutions. Both exams test students’ skills in physics, chemistry and math.
The most common engineering entrance exams in India after 12th include JEE Main (for NITs and IIITs), JEE Advanced (for IITs) and university-specific tests such as BITSAT (BITS), VITEEE (VIT) and SRMJEEE (SRM). Additionally, important state-level exams like MHT CET and KCET, as well as CUET for central universities, are also relevant for engineering admissions.
